Makefast Ltd, one the UK’s leading manufacturers of marine sun protection systems, has repeated 2011’s success by securing another accolade at a recent Welsh business awards ceremony.

Held at Theatre Hafren, Newtown the prestigious annual Powys Business Awards is organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, Powys County Council and the Cambrian News media group. The awards, which recognise and celebrate business excellence at all levels, are open to any size of business from sole trader to multinational, trading for 12 months or more, employing locally-resident staff and with offices and/or manufacturing facilities in the county of Powys.

Against increased competition Makefast was announced as winner of the Manufacturing Award 2012. On behalf of the judges and quoting their summing up, Ceri Stephens, group manager at Mid Wales Manufacturing Group (MWMG), said: “Makefast has always impressed by the way it has achieved the commitment of its staff. Its investment in design, innovation and development has enabled it to leave the dark days of 2008 far behind. With a new director of operations the company could have lost direction but the ethos has been enhanced. It is a testimony to what can be achieved when everyone is kept informed and focused. This award is for everyone at Makefast.”

Despite the difficult economic environment, the company has continued to grow and prosper within existing markets as well as expanding into new ones. Mike Mills, director of operations at Makefast Ltd, said: “Winning this award for the second year is a reflection of how Makefast has ridden the recession and continues to grow. We have a dedicated management team and fully committed workforce, who are prepared to innovate, embrace change and trade with confidence. The future is bright for the company, which is now doing lots of work in Italy and looking to develop the markets in Brazil and the United States. It’s great that we have an international player based here in mid Wales.”

Picture: (left to right) John Brunt, senior network manager, MWMG (sponsor of Manufacturing Award) Andrew Barker, deputy production manager, Makefast and Mike Mills, director of operations, Makefast.